FORMULA ONE supremo Bernie Ecclestone has launched a passionate defence of Michael Schumacher, telling his critics: "Don't call him dull.''

Ecclestone also claims that the German's dominance of F1 is a good thing.

Ecclestone said: "Some people say that one person winning everything is boring, but a sport always grows when there is someone dominating it.

"There are those who say it's dull, but you really have to sit back and admire him.

"Michael is a superstar and if you talk to anyone about F1 they will all know his name. Without Michael the sport wouldn't be half as popular all round the world. People have his success to thank for that.

"When you have a figure like Michael in any sport it makes it so easy to promote.

"People love superstars and they are essential for a sport to grow because they become a brand.

"Take golf and Tiger Woods, or tennis and Pete Sampras - because they won everything that just made people want to watch them more.

"Women's tennis is a great example - its popularity soared when the Williams sisters started to dominate."

Schumacher's dominance has enabled Ferrari to wrap up six consecutive constructors' championships and now it is personal glory which tops the German's agenda.

It will only take a win next week in Belgium for Schuey to get his hands on his seventh drivers' crown.

Schumacher has been quoted as saying he has the luxury of being able to choose where he will win this year's title, leading to speculation that he might wait until Italy - the home of Ferrari.

But Schumacher has won five of the past seven Belgium Grands Prix he has raced in and it is difficult to see him walking away from Spa without the title.

In fact, the only major record left for Schumacher to claim is Ayrton Senna's 65 pole positions. He is currently on 62 and looking every inch the record holder in waiting.

But according to Ecclestone, it is more than breaking records that motivates the six-time world champion.

"Sure, he wants all the records, but Michael will quit when he's not having fun anymore,'' said Ecclestone.

"And if he does, we have a number of drivers on the grid who will be battling it out for his title... and that of new world superstar.''